Sensoji Temple, Asakusa - Tokyo

Old and ancient structures tend to have a certain charismatic pull associated with them. They safeguard behind their walls ancient mythical legends and stories that get more powerful and magnetic with time. The older the place gets, the history becomes more daunting and the pull, even stronger. Even the things associated with them come to be celebrated and treasured.

One prime example that fits in, in this category is the Sensoji temple in Asakusa district - Tokyo’s oldest and one of the most popular temples living since ages and I was happy to start my tour in Tokyo from this sacred place.

The entire temple is spread in a huge compound consisting of two gates, a row of colorful shops, a main temple hall and a five storied pagoda and is interesting right from the word go! First you encounter the Kaminarimon or the Thunder Gate, the outer gate of Sensoji Temple flanked by two gate protector Gods on either sides – Fujin, the God of wind and Raijin, the God of thunder.

The Kaminarimon Gate, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

However, the most important point of attraction here is the huge red and black colored lantern which hangs from the centre of the gate. The lantern together with the imposing gate is recognized as the symbol not only for Asakusa but for the entire of Tokyo.

The red colored lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate

The bottom part of the lantern

Pass through the gate and a row of around 90 shops neatly lined up come in the scene called the Nakamise dori shopping arcade. Spanning around 200 mtrs and believed to be having a history dating several centuries back, you will find all kinds of colorful trinkets and souvenirs like Japanese fans, key chains, hats, purses on display here.

The Nakamise dori shopping arcade

Get past the shops and you come to the second gate of the temple – The Hozomon gate – not as historic and prominent as the outer Kaminarimon gate but quite similar in looks and attractive nevertheless.

The Hozomon Gate - the inner gate

Enter the gate and you enter a sacred space. Here stand the main temple hall and a five storied pagoda besides the washing area and the smoke bowl of health.

The main temple hall

The five storied pagoda at the Sensoji Temple

Before entering the main hall, you wash your hands in a specified pattern, and then take in the smoke from the bowl which grants you good health before proceeding to the main temple hall.

Fan some smoke onto yourself from the smoke health bowl

The main temple hall is wooden and spacious with the ceiling covered in beautiful paintings and murals.

Colorful ceiling in the main temple hall

In the centre of the hall is the main altar covered by a glass pane. I try searching for the main deity Goddess bodhisattva Kannon – the Goddess of mercy that was mystically discovered and fished out by the two fishermen to be later installed here. But I learn that it lies hidden today and is not open for public display.

A painting in the complex depicts the history of the Sensoji Temple

The altar in the main hall

I offer my prayers by doing what the locals do. Clap my hands twice, bow twice, put money in the treasure box, and clap once again. And then, I stand still with my eyes closed. It’s quiet and the feeling is beautiful.

Offer your prayers in the main temple hall at the Sensoji Temple

Outside the hall, out in the compound... a statue of serene Buddha meditates in the lap of nature,

So interesting -- I have seen replicas of that lantern many times, had no idea that there was one REAL one.....beautiful tour thank you. It's also especially interesting about the prayer flags. Some Native American tribes have versions of those too.

@Mareta The temples in Japan are often made up of wood, hence the greyish look, I think :) There were no loud chants or mantras inside the Sensoji temple but everyone kept to themselves and were quietly praying with folded hands.

I remember Asakusa from my trip to Tokyo in 2008, but you have provided information that I was not aware of. Thank you, Arti. At the shops, David bought a cake for his boss and cookies for his office staff.

Did you hear of Hato Bus tour in Tokyo?It is a leading sightseeing bus service, offering diverse courses of Tokyo's attractions.Actually when I visited my daughter working in Tokyo several years ago, we took one day Hato Bus tour, which included Senso-ji, imperial palace and Tokyo Tower and some other places. It was convenient for starters. I remember Senso-ji was a very lively place.

As someone says, you are attentive enough to respect other cultures. Well as far as I know, the way of offering prayers "two bows, two clapping your hands, say your prayers and bow again last" is done at shrines, not at temples. There is Senso Shrine there as well, so some people might mix the way.Come to think of it, it's the thought that counts, it doesn't matter how you offer prayers, right?Thank you Arti for Sensoji report.

@ Yoko Even if you have not visited the place, I’m sure you will still make for a better guide than me. :) And then, since cosmos has visited the place... we will take her along.

@cosmos Yes, I did hear of Hato tour bus and we even contemplated taking it at one time, but then decided against it and went ahead to explore the places on our own. In hindsight, now I somehow feel it was a nice decision since we could enjoy the subway train rides that way. But as you have said, we did take pointers about the places they had mentioned in their brochure and modeled our schedule accordingly.

Ah, thanks for the heads up on the prayer ritual in the Sensoji temple and shrine. I was totally unaware of this bit. Many thanks for the correction, highly appreciated. And you are so right, at the end... it is really our thought that counts not the exact manner, how true that.

I loved the way you prayed there by clapping your hands.. It happens only in Japan? ;) Like all your Yatra posts, the visit to the temple is amazing with wonderful images to accompany it. Loved reading this.

Wonderful pictures! The hostel we stayed in was just a 3 minute walk from Senso-ji and we loved the Asakusa area. It was delightfully peaceful and quiet early in the morning (perfect for enjoying the garden and majestic Senso-ji), but then got so lively during the day. So many cute shops along the shopping arcade here!

Hi, just came across your blog and loved it. Have been to Japan myself, and could identify well with the emotions you have expressed. Indeed, the country inspires one to pen down one's experiences. I have started one of my own. Would love to share with you.http://wanderlustgnome.blogspot.in/http://wanderlustgnome.blogspot.in/2014/02/the-temptation-that-is-tokyo.html

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Hi there! I am Arti - often found on the road travelling with my best friend, inspiration and guide - my father. I love travelling to spiritual places and consider my external yatras as continuous learning journeys within; a journey where I seek to discover and experience the real treasures of this life someday. Besides helping my own self, this blog of mine also aims to help those planning to make a trip to these places or simply provide a virtual tour to the rest.
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